Right now, more people than ever need safe, welcoming spaces where they can just breathe, connect and feel less alone. Our grassroots garden does exactly that, and we need your help to keep it open.
Last week, the Home Secretary proposed policies we are deeply concerned about. They include moving refugees who are in danger of persecution away from long-term protection by reassessing their claims every 30 months, meaning it may take up to 20 years for them to put down roots and start to rebuild their lives.
These policies will make it so much more difficult for people who have escaped persecution and found protection in the UK to integrate, settle and become part of our communities.
For those we support, these policies create fear, anxiety and worry about their futures, adding to the isolation, loneliness and mental health challenges they already face.
In the context of such harmful policies, places of integration, community and belonging for people who have fled war, violence and persecution are essential.
We’re launching a five week appeal to raise £5,000 so we can keep out Grassroots Community Garden open for people seeking safety in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Support Integration, Community and Belonging
Why is the Grassroots Community Garden so important?
Why? Well, our garden is a peaceful, green space away from crowded hotels and long waiting times for people stuck in limbo awaiting their asylum decision or a place at college. It’s somewhere for them to heal, practice English and learn new skills. More than anything else, it brings people together, helping them to connect and feel part of a safe, welcoming and empowering community.
The garden wouldn’t be the garden without volunteers with lived experience. Last year 15 out of the 27 volunteers who supported the garden had lived experience of the asylum system. In the garden, they gain confidence, skills and purpose while caring for nature, building something beautiful for others and helping provide fresh ingredients for our café.
Your donation will help keep this space open for the 100 people seeking refuge who engaged in at least one garden activity last year.
Watch the Grassroots Garden Campaign Video
“If I could share one message it would be: the garden is amazing and so important to so many people seeking asylum who are alone, waiting and having a difficult time. The garden is a place where they can go and do something great. Often there are more than 10 volunteers there and there are always more people coming. This garden is so important to us”
– Khaled, a garden volunteer from Sudan
And, because we know that for many people you need to see it to believe it, everyone who donates, or who is simply just interested, is warmly invited to our Spring Festival on Thursday 2nd April 2026 for food, games and activities! We’d love for you to come and see this hidden gem for yourselves!
Your support will help us keep this sanctuary of integration, community and belonging open – please donate if you can!
